The role of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in boosting the power of the written word was no less exemplary as it drew upon the UAE's and Sharjah's collective passion to build a knowledge-based society and economy by highlighting the importance of books and reading, and making these accessible to all. Through a series of timely, dedicated activities, SBA has been directing efforts towards creating a culture of a lifelong love of learning amongst the people of the UAE and beyond.
SBA also took the lead in presenting Sharjah's efforts at international book fairs and trade shows highlighting its impact on literary and publishing development in the wider Arab world. By showcasing Sharjah’s unique cultural and artistic journey status and its status as the cultural hub of the Arab world, SBA also reinforced the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to use literature as a tool to strengthen bridges of cultural communication around the world.
 |
|
| His Excellency Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority | |
About SBA
An Emiri decree by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, led to the establishment of the Sharjah Book Authority in 2014. The organisation aims to enhance investment in creative industries and provide a platform for knowledge and intellectual exchange between different nations and cultures. It also highlights the importance of books not just for their academic value, but for the impact they have in raising community awareness in view of rapid technological advancements and diverse sources of knowledge.
SBA is a key cultural entity responsible for conceptualising and curating a majority share of the emirate’s literary, academic and cultural events, for instance, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), and the Publishers Conference, in addition to many initiatives and events.
Vision
- To play a leading role in expanding Sharjah's position as a global cultural centre for the production, dissemination and exchange of knowledge, and to professionally engage as an incubator for the Arab cultural project.
Mission
- Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and culture through the medium of the written word.
- Organise and participate in book fairs, literary and cultural events; and spearhead campaigns and initiatives to promote a culture of reading.
- Support aspirations of writers and provide quality content to readers.
- Further the local and regional publishing industry and promote its access to global book markets.
- Transform its state-of-the-art libraries into knowledge repositories.
- Preserve Emirati and Arab culture, and showcase it to the world.